Trio of Central Coast athletes goes for World Indoor titles in Qatar

Posted: Mar 12, 2010 8:54 AM by Andrew Masuda
Updated: Mar 12, 2010 8:54 AM

Three Central Coast natives are competing for world track and field titles this weekend at the 13th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Doha, Qatar.

All three stars were in action Friday. However, only two advanced to the final of their respective events.

Atascadero native Chelsea Johnson competed in the women's pole vault qualifying round. The 2009 World Outdoor silver medalist was looking to continue her successful indoor season. However, Johnson finished tied for eleventh out of 18 women, only the top eight advanced to the final. It took Johnson three attempts to clear 14 feet, 3 and 1/4 inches. She was then unable to clear 14 feet, 7 and 1/4 inches in her three attempts. It was Johnson's first time representing the US at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Chaunte Howard Lowe qualified for the women's high jump final. The Templeton native is one of nine women, who advanced out of the 20 women competing in the qualifying
round. She cleared 1.92 meters, or 6 feet, 4 inches on her third and final attempt at the height to advance. The two-time US Olympian was the lone American competing in the event. She finished eighth in the 2008 IAAF Indoor World Championships.

Lompoc native Duane Solomon advanced to the final in the 800 meter event. Solomon finished third out of five men in his heat. The top two in each of the five heats
automatically advanced to the final. His time of 1:49.69 was the second fastest of the third place finishers allowing him to capture the twelfth and final spot in the final. The 25 year old was one of two American men in the field of 27 men. The men's 800 meter final will be on Sunday.